The Battle Red Blog writers gathered to discuss the signing of RB Nick Chubb
Texans signed Nick Chubb earlier this week and While the impact on each of the current running backs on the roster is still being settled, it’s clear Houston has plans to implement the four-time Pro Bowler in the offense in a meaningful way. Chubb enters an extremely crowded locker room full of veterans and unproven youngsters.
This week, I asked the writers of the Battle Red Blog three questions surrounding the addition of Nick Chubb.
1) What role will Chubb have in the offense?
2) Who is hurt more; Dameon Pierce or rookie Woody Marks?
3) Do you think this is a sign that Joe Mixon’s foot injury is more severe than we realize?
L4Blitzer:
Not a move that was on many fans’ bingo cards before the weekend, but this is another of Caserio’s low-risk/high-reward free agency signings. If Chubb has anything in the tank, he could be a good asset for the team, or at least Cam Akers Part Deux, where Houston trades him for a reasonable pick. To answer the questions:
1) Chubb would seem to be a rotational back, spelling Mixon and/or filling in if/when Mixon gets injured. If the power that Chubb showed before his injuries returns, he could be a good short-yardage/red-zone power back, something the squad desperately needs.
2) As for who on the depth chart is most in danger with Chubb’s signing, presuming that Chubb is healthy enough to make an impact in the preseason, perhaps Pierce might be the odd-man out. Pierce is in the final year or his rookie deal, so it is critical for him to play like he did to close out the 2024-25 season. That Pierce is an effective kick-returner might help keep him around, but that would likely be a role that Marks would play. Sure, Pierce could also be trade-bait for Houston (see Akers, Cam). It is also possible Houston keeps Pierce around anyway, and given that Marks is a rookie who Houston gave up some draft capital to pick, you might see both remain on the roster when camp breaks.
3) As for the Mixon injury, I wouldn’t read too much into that. Chubb was likely a deal that Caserio couldn’t pass up. Now, if Mixon still has that same injury come late August, then we have a different conversation about Chubb’s June signing.
Vballretired:
Let me take these one by one. I’d also ask the good folks to read my Value of Things on the subject.
1) I suspect that Chubb will be a traditional backup running back where he will give Mixon a series or two off a day. That could mean between five and ten carries a game.
2) I think Pierce’s days are numbered. He really doesn’t offer much outside of a backup role. Obviously we will have to see if Chubb has anything left in the tank in training camp. Marks always has struck me as a third down back and I don’t think that changes. Maybe he develops into more, but this move takes that expectation off his plate.
3) I don’t think the foot injury has much to do with it, but I could be wrong. I think an honest to Durga second back was always a priority and this is more a hedge on Marks not being an every down back or Pierce being an any down back.
Patrick.H:
1) He’ll probably be the thunder to Joe Mixon’s lightning (or vice versa) assuming he can crack the opening day roster.
2) This has to spell the end of Dameon Pierce’s tenure as a Houston Texan. Which is a shame because I still think he’s got some value but this team just can’t seem to get him in a position to succeed. And now that he’s buried in the depth chart and Marks likely being seen as the RB of the future, it just makes sense to let Pierce go make his career elsewhere.
3) I don’t think they’re worried about his foot. This is more along the lines of taking a flyer on a player that might or might not be able to contribute as RB2, a deal with little risk and high reward; otherwise known as a Caserio Special.
Kenneth L:
Unlike L4Blitzer, I actually was early on the trail for bringing Nick Chubb to Houston when I listed him as the Top Free Agent Running Back Option. This is what I wrote:
Chubb is parting ways with Cleveland after eight highly productive seasons laden with recent and serious injuries. The mere fact that Chubb debuted in the 2024 season illustrates his humanoid-like capabilities. At 29 and with 1,340 rushing attempts to his name, there isn’t much Chubb can offer long-term. However, the upside is highly mesmerizing. Chubb can be a cheap roll-of-the-dice and an ideal fit in the new run scheme offensive coordinator Nick Caley will debut.
But let me get to the questions I proposed:
1) I truly think Chubb will have a bigger role than fans project. Chubb may not be the athlete he was two seasons ago, but he is a dynamic, downhill asset with “mesmerizing” upside. Particularly considering how poor Houston’s offense was without Mixon, adding Chubb as a complement rather than backup is the tone that I’ve received from Nick Caserio.
2) Rookie Woody Marks role feels greatly impacted, particularly the ability to support on third downs. Nick Chubb is by far a more capable third down back and cannot be ignored in either the run or pass game. Before the addition of Chubb, Marks appeared slated to absorb passing responsibilities for the RB position and develop into a future starting back. Now, he has to compete for a roster spot first before even considering himself for a role. Last year’s draft pick RB Jawhar Jordan should be a reminder that even though you’re drafted doesn’t mean you’ll make the roster.
3) I personally do. It would be difficult to not connect the two incidents; Joe Mixon seen limping around in a walking boot at voluntary OTAs and Nick Chubb signing a contract several days later. The Texans know they taxed Mixon too strenuously last season and have to both conserve Mixon for a 17+ game season plus provide a solid Plan B if he’s out for any time in 2025.